Q: I have an old edition of The Prince of the House of David published by Altemus Publishing. There is no date page in the book. Could you please tell me a little about this edition? It was in my mother’s library and she has now passed. She noted with it that it is missing pages 41 and 42 which is odd. I am very curious when it was printed.

I’m assuming it is not a first edition or anything rare like that, but I would like to know if it is something I should keep or pass on to a book lover. It is a neat compact book. It is slightly curved in at the edges making me think someone carried this tucked in their pocket for awhile possibly.

Thank you for any info you may have on it. I searched through the site and some on the internet and I didn’t see this particular edition come up anywhere.

A: Your book is part of the Beauxarts Series and was published in 1897.
During this year the cover was printed with many different colors.

As you guessed, it is not a first edition but rather a late reprint and thus really has no significant value.

Q: Hello, I am inquiring about a copy of “The Scarlet Letter” that has been in my family for several generations. The condition of the book is very poor but it’s something I would like to know more about. I have attached pictures of the cover, title page, and the two ad pages in the back. Please do not hesitate if there are other images you may need to determine more. Thank you very much for your time.

A: Your book was published in 1893 as part of the Popular Series of Famous Authors. This book was originally printed with a dust jacket.
See below for a picture. The cover usually has outlines and lettering in gold gilt, most of which is gone from your book. This title is a reprint and in this shape has little value.

Q: Having a difficult time identifying this book (Christmas Carol), can you help?

A: Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in the 1917-1919 time frame. This publisher’s series published only reprints, none of which have any significant value.

It originally had a dust jacket. A representative dust jacket picture is shown below.

The books of the Young People’s Library Series were published in four formats. They are extremely common and except for a few titles (i. e. Alice in Wonderland, Through the Looking Glass) are not very valuable.

These books are frequently dated erroneously because sellers claim the copyright date is the publication date.

Books from this series however are easy to date using a few simple rules. Here is a new dust jacket picture for the database for a format 3 book.
And here is the way to date it.

Each format has a stereotypical design on the spine. The spine shown here-“Format 3 Book”. Format 3 books were published between 1902-1923. See http://henryaltemus.com/ypl/index.htm to see the representative spines.

Now to date the book exactly look at the ads in the back and refer to the dating chart at http://henryaltemus.com/series/series202F3.htm. This book lists 5 Automobile Girls in the ads indicating it is a 1912-1913 book. The uncoated dust jacket and the 1914 inscription solidify the dating based on the ads.

Q: hi i just bought this (Black Beauty) at a used book store and was wondering if you good give me more information about it… it doesn’t mention the year but i looked up the publisher so i know the years they were in business..thank you

A: Your book is part of the La Belle Fleur Series and was published in 1901.

It originally came in a dust jacket. The books of this series are all reprints. They came in a number of different color covers. Examples are shown below.

It has nominal value only.

Dust Jacket example

The Boy Geologist was published by Altemus beginning in 1907. Initially it was a non series book (http://www.henryaltemus.com/images/NS_26.htm). In 1910 it was added to the Little Men and Women Series.

It has been seen with two different covers. One that has white lettering and another with black lettering. The black lettered books have advertisements for 1911 books and thus are the later books. The interiors of the books are identical.

Non Series book 1907

Series 125 book 1910

Q: Would like some information on this book Tales from Shakespeare. What can you tell me?
Thanks.

A: Your book was published in 1897-1898 as part of the ten volume Library of Standard Authors’ Series. During those years the book covers were published in various colors.

All the books, including yours, are reprints. Value is determined by the collectibility of the title and condition. Your title is not widely sought after.

Q: Dear Expert,

I have a copy of the book Tales from Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb. It is hard cover 368 pages without illustrations. The only date I can find is on the back of the introduction page. ” October 1878 initialed A.A”. Please send me what information on the date of publication and what edition it may be and any additional interesting facts you may have. Thank you so very much for your time and knowledge.

A: Your book was published between 1899 and 1906. It is part of the Boys and Girls Classics Series. It is a reprint and originally came in a labeled box. It has only nominal value.

To date your book exactly follow the directions on the series’ web page.

Q: A book in my collection… Im wondering of its value and rarity. I can’t locate a quote on its value. (A Study in Scarlet)

A: Your book is part of the 25 volume Printemps Series. It was published in 1895.
All of the books in this series are reprints. Most sell for between $10 and $20.

Q: Hi attached are three photo’s of a set of two books that I have. I tried to find them on your website but was unsuccessful. Can you help? They appear to be green leather with possible gold leaf or gilting in the design. There is no publish date inside the books. Sorry about the quality, it was a phone.

A: The book cover you sent is from the Vademecum Series and was published in 1905-1906. It originally came in a labeled box.

As you can see from the site, this year’s books were published with a number of different cover colors and with one of four flower pictures.

All of the books in this series are reprints and few have more than nominal value.